Red Cross Chapter Serves as Focal Point of Response Efforts

by Kati Garner | August 3, 2007 at 08:06 pm

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The Twin Cities Area Chapter has become a staging ground
for efforts to respond to the collapse of a major bridge in Minneapolis.

By Beth Boone, Response Communication, National Headquarters

Friday, August 03, 2007 — Two days after the I-35W bridge
collapsed in Minneapolis, the mood is somber as recovery crews continue
to scour the Mississippi River to locate those unable to escape the
tragedy.

Minneapolis police and officials from response organizations
work busily at a makeshift command center in the parking lot of the
American Red Cross of the Twin Cities Area Chapter, which is located
only blocks from the bridge.

Families and loved ones, meanwhile, have gathered at the nearby Red
Cross family service center, where they receive food, warm meals and
emotional support while awaiting information from recovery officials.
More than 60 families came together at the center yesterday, sharing
stories and giving and receiving encouragement and hugs while remaining
safe from the eyes and ears of media crews covering the collapse. Many
returned today to take advantage of the center’s proximity to recovery
efforts and meet with mental health counselors who volunteer through
the chapter.

The Red Cross is one of dozens of organizations in the Twin
Cities area that have rallied to support those involved in response
efforts and the families and friends of victims. As a member of the
Minneapolis-St. Paul community, the American Red Cross will continue
its work during this tragedy and be ready for others to come.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by
voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can
help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year
by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief
Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling
and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross
honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a
specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation. Call
1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the
Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross
chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC
20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting
www.redcross.org.